In the fourth episode of his video series Secret Knowledge, Dubspot instructor and Logic Pro course designer Matt Shadetek shares a composition technique for creating fresh new melodies, basslines, and chord progressions quickly and effectively.

In this tutorial we are going to explore a basic technique for creating melodic and harmonic material: writing from chord progressions. This is a technique I personally use a lot and I feel it has helped me to write more quickly although I don’t have a strong music theory background. The basic idea is that we start with a three- or four-chord progression and use that to create all of our other parts. I find that this allows me to keep moving forward and eliminates some of the guesswork in writing lead melodies, basslines and other supporting parts. Starting with the chord progression creates a harmonic framework for us to move around in and limits some of the choices we have to make at any given moment. This can free up some of our writing energy to focus on things like rhythm, instrumentation and structure.

If you are having a hard time coming up with basic chord progressions, I recommend checking out sites like musictheory.net which has a simple chord calculator and can display notation on a keyboard for those of us who aren’t too great with standard notation. - Matt Shadetek

For further exploration of Logic check out Dubspot’s six-level Logic Pro Producer program, designed by Matt Shadetek. In this course (whether at our online school or our physical school in New York City), students will learn to create a four-track EP, starting with a set of musical sketches and developing them over the course of six levels, refining their craft as they advance.

Master Logic with our complete program of courses culminating in a four-track EP ready for release. In addition to achieving a complete overview of the composition process in Logic you’ll also earn the Dubspot Producer’s Certificate in Logic Pro. After completing this program, you will leave with a new EP, a remix entered in an active remix contest, and a scored commercial to widen your scope.